The Two-Island Break: Our Suggested Itinerary

This unique break incorporates two nights on Tresco in a sublime Sea Garden Apartment, and two nights at Hell Bay Hotel, nestled on Bryher’s dramatic coastline. Soak up the sea views, explore hidden coves and dine on fine local produce as part of this island-hopping retreat.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend your time – here’s our suggested itinerary:

We recommend you arrive to Tresco by helicopter – you should be able to spot Bryher too as you approach the islands. You’ll be travelling across that little channel of turquoise water soon at the midpoint of your break!

We’ll transport you to your Sea Garden Apartment and let you get settled in – pour yourself a hot drink and lose yourself in the views as that island state of mind takes over.

Afternoon: If you can tear yourself away from the views from the cottage, take a walk along the coast to Blockhouse Castle. You’ll cross some of the most beautiful beaches on Tresco – Green Porth is one of our favourites, and positively idyllic for sea swimming.

Evening: Enjoy your first dinner of the trip at the Ruin Beach Café. Start things off with a cocktail on the terrace, then choose from wood fired pizza, generous sharing platters of seafood or veggie temptations, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

After dinner, take to your balcony and watch the stars come out.

Morning: If you wake up early enough you’ll catch a Scilly sunrise – pretty spectacular! Afterwards, you’ve got breakfast at the Ruin to fuel you for the day’s adventures.

We recommend a walk across the island to the world famous Abbey Garden – follow the east coastline around and find even more tempting beaches on your way. You’ll want to spend a couple of hours in the gardens – don’t worry, you’ll find plentiful snacks to keep you going in the Visitor Centre, as well as some gorgeous island gifts!

Afternoon: If you still have the energy, another spellbinding walk awaits. This time it’s Tresco’s north coast – think endless views onto open seas, castle ruins with epic vantage points, rugged rocky outcrops and rolling heather-clad downs.

Or, if you’re in need of some downtime, head back towards your cottage and rack up a few lazy lengths in the neighbouring indoor pool.

Evening: Back to the Ruin for another delectable dinner – what will you try this time?

Morning: Perhaps you’ll prefer to take in sunrise skies from your superking bed this time – if so, we’ll let you off! We hope the call of pastries, granola and juices at the Ruin will help awaken you from a holiday slumber…

To really unwind before you transfer across to Bryher, head over to the Tresco Island Spa and indulge with a treatment.

Afternoon: You’ll transfer to Bryher at some point this day – we’ll take care of your luggage and provide you with boating options. Arrive at Hell Bay to find a different brand of island peace, where your time is punctuated only by the rolling waves upon nearby shores.

Explore your surroundings or simply crash out in your Sea View Suite.

Evening: Savour dinner in the restaurant – our kitchen team are dedicated to incorporating island produce into our seasonal menus.

Morning: Enjoy the Hell Bay breakfast offering while watching the meditative views across the Great Pool.

Afterwards, just a few footsteps from the hotel you’ll find Richard Pearce’s artist studio – looking like a tiny shack perched upon the shoreline, it’s quite a sight to behold.

You can find more of Richard’s work as well as maritime homewares and gifts in the Bryher Gallery, situated in the ‘village’ next door to Bryher Shop.

Afternoon: Bryher’s north coast is just as captivating as Tresco’s – we recommend exploring it on an invigorating hike. Shipman Head is a fantastic spot for wave watching, and there is also a large Bronze Age burial site here for those with a passion for history.

Evening: We hope another dinner in the Hell Bay restaurant won’t be too much of a hardship – relax after your afternoon’s excursions.

Morning:Your departure day – make the most of it with an early wake-up to catch more sunrise skies. If you’re feeling really energetic, climb Samson Hill for a fantastic panoramic view of the islands. Breakfast will be waiting for you on your return!

If the weather’s good, catch a few last island moments on one of Bryher’s beaches – we love Rushy Bay or the beautifully-named Popplestones just a moment's walk from the hotel. Also worth a visit is Island Fish – run by the Pender family of Bryher, the shop sells freshly caught fish as well as tasty delights like crab sandwiches and potted crab. Something to take home for the journey!